Visiting Scientific Specialist, Archaeological Data Preservation
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. For 80 years, the University of Illinois has studied the state’s archaeological heritage. ISAS incorporates that knowledge in its programs to protect, preserve, and interpret these irreplaceable and non-renewable resources within the context of Illinois’ need to encourage and promote sustainable development. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
ISAS is seeking to hire a Visiting Scientific Specialist, Archaeological Data Preservation to design, develop, and manage archaeological research data and informational management strategy, dissemination, applications, workflow procedures, and data preservation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research – Information Management
- Collaborate with the Section Head in the design and develop database solutions using the FileMaker platform to import, store, retrieve, analyze, and format data to meet project needs.
- Assist in the design and development of custom, user-friendly interfaces in the FileMaker database platform to provide staff ways to enter, access, and analyze data.
- Develop analytical solutions to scientific research problems in coordination with staff to complete project objectives in a minimum amount of time while maintaining high performance and data integrity.
- Prepare and compile comprehensive documentation for FileMaker database applications, including descriptions of their use in workflows.
Research – Data Preservation
- Carry out established scientific data management strategies in concert with other members of the GIS and Data Stewardship section, which includes maintaining standard practices such as defining data formats, naming conventions, and data storage procedures.
- Assist the section head with advising program management, researchers, and staff on information and data management.
Outreach and Other
- Contribute to the education, outreach, and/or service goals of PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.
Minimum Qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, computer sciences, information sciences, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Demonstrated experience in developing and/or modifying new and existing relational database applications, including requirement analysis, design, testing, debugging, implementation, user and permissions management, and maintenance. Demonstrated ability to create scripts using common languages. Experience with scientific data management, stewardship, and long-term storage. Valid driver's license.
Preferred:
Master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, computer sciences, information sciences, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Industry or academic research experience. Demonstrated proficiency developing relational database applications in FileMaker. Experience working with scientific data and collections. Familiarity with archaeological data, historic preservation and regulations, and the archaeology of the Midwestern US. Registered Professional Archaeologist.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to provide detailed written documentation including documentation, metadata, software instructions, standards, and specifications in a clear, concise, and well- structured manner. Efficient and effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Must possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with other scientists, researchers, staff, and clients. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast- paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases. Preferred: Familiarity with FileMaker database platform, data curation standards, and state of Illinois historic preservation and human remains laws, and regulations.
Working Conditions:
Work is conducted in a shared office. Some work may involve travel to ISAS field stations, exposure to heat, humidity, and lifting items weighing up to 30 pounds.
Appointment Information:
This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment. Position may become a regular position at a later date depending on funding and a programmatic need. The budgeted amount for this position is $42,000 to $50,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.
Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. (CST) Thursday, July 31, 2025. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/14335?c=illinois and select the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the page. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional (not personal) references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For further information about this specific position, please contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.